Activity toy

ABSTRACT

An activity toy or stacker having two or more stackable components that can be assembled into multiple configurations. Surface engagement features retain the stackable components in a self-supporting assembly without an internal frame or support pole, and self-align the stackable components as they are assembled. The surface engagement features of the components are universally interengagable to allow the components to nest with one another in various assembly configurations and orientations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/530,647 filed Sep. 2, 2011 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/568,917 filed Dec. 9, 2011, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of toys, and more particularly to an activity toy for children having a plurality of stackable components.

SUMMARY

In example embodiments, the present invention provides an activity toy for children having two or more components that are stackable upon one another for form a multi-component structure. Example forms include self-aligning, universally-engaging stackable components, and/or components that may be stacked in different configurations and positions. Example forms of the invention further provide for assembly of a self-supporting structure of nested components, not requiring a skeleton or support post or frame to maintain the integrity of a multi-component structure formed thereby. The self-alignment and universal-engagement features permit use by younger children who may not yet have developed fine motor skills to a level necessary for use with other activity toys. The ability to stack components in many different configurations may help facilitate creative play and development of spatial-temporal reasoning, and improves the play experience for children.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to an activity toy including a plurality of stackable components. A first stackable component includes a first engagement element, and a second stackable component includes a second engagement element. The first and second engagement elements interact with one another to self-align the first and second stackable components during assembly from a misaligned starting configuration to an aligned stacked configuration.

In another aspect, the invention relates to an activity toy including a plurality of stackable components. Each of the stackable components includes an upper surface defining at least one male engagement feature and a lower surface defining at least one female engagement feature. At least two of the plurality of stackable components are stackable with the male engagement feature of the upper surface of one of the stackable components nesting within the female engagement feature of the lower surface of the other stackable component.

In still another aspect, the invention relates to an activity toy. The activity toy preferably includes a first stacking component having a first annular body with a generally circumferential first outer wall, a first inner wall bounding a first central opening, a first lower surface and a first upper surface. The first lower surface and the first upper surface preferably each define a plurality of generally sinusoidal peaks and valleys. The activity toy preferably also includes a second stacking component having a second annular body with a generally circumferential second outer wall, a second inner wall bounding a second central opening, a second lower surface and a second upper surface. The second lower surface and the second upper surface each define a plurality of generally sinusoidal peaks and valleys. The peaks and valleys of the first upper and lower surfaces are each interengagable with the peaks and valleys of either of the second upper and lower surfaces to form a plurality of assembly configurations depending on the orientation of the first and second stacking components when assembled.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an assembly view of an activity toy according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the activity toy of FIG. 1, shown assembled in one example configuration.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another example embodiment of an activity toy according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 show a detailed view of two components of the activity toy of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the activity toy of FIG. 3 assembled in an alternative configuration.

FIG. 6 is an assembly view of components of the activity toy of FIG. 3 assembled in another alternative configuration.

FIG. 7 shows components of an activity toy being assembled, and demonstrating the self-alignment characteristics of the components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example embodiment of an activity toy or stacker 10 according to the present invention. The activity toy 10 comprises a plurality of stackable or nestable components, which in the depicted embodiment include a first stacking component 20, a second stacking component 30, a third stacking component 40, a fourth stacking component 50, and a cap component 60. The components are optionally uniquely sized and colored and are preferably formed from the same material. Alternatively, all or a plurality of the components may be similarly colored and/or sized, and/or may be formed from different materials. The components may be formed by a variety of manufacturing processes, including, but not limited to, blow molding, injection molding, and rotational molding, and may be formed from a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, one or more polymers, polyurethane foam, wood, rubber, and/or plush materials. In example forms, the components are formed of a hard plastic with smooth surfaces having a low coefficient of friction. The components may be opaque, translucent, or clear and may further be configured to include integral or removable entertainment features, such as, for example, rattles, tags, and/or various electronic elements, such as lights or audio. Moreover, the components may be solid or may be at least partially hollow and contain water, gel, paint, or a noise-making device.

Each of the first through fourth stacking components 20, 30, 40, and 50 comprise an annular or ring-shaped body, which will be described by way of example with reference to component 20. The ring-shaped body comprises an outer wall 80, an inner wall 82 bounding a central hole or opening 84, a lower surface 86 and an upper surface 88. One or more indentations or gripping features 90 are optionally provided along the outer wall 80 to allow a user to more easily grasp the component, and/or for ornamentation, branding, or other purposes. Alternatively, the body may take the form of a generally solid disk, without the central opening 84. At least one of the lower and/or upper surface(s) of one or more of the components preferably comprises a planar support base or three or more spaced contact points defining a support plane, to permit the components and/or an assembly of two or more of the components to be supported in a stable configuration on a floor, table or other support surface.

Each of the lower and upper surfaces 86, 88 of the stacking components defines an undulating or irregular lobed surface comprising at least one male projection element and/or female receiver element. In the depicted embodiment, each of the upper and lower surfaces 86, 88 comprise an array of five regularly spaced peaks 102, having five complementary valleys 104 arranged between the peaks. In the depicted embodiment, the peaks 102 and valleys 104 of the lower and upper surfaces 86, 88 of the stacking components follow a generally sinusoidal wave pattern about the periphery of the component, with arcuate or smoothly curved lobes of alternating convexly curved male projecting elements and similarly configured concavely curved female receiving elements. In alternate embodiments, the peaks and valleys may take the form of sharply angled teeth, rectangular projections and recesses, or other surface configurations. Other forms of interengaging male and female elements may be provided, for example circular, elliptical, triangular, square, jagged, wavy or otherwise configured male projection elements engagable with cooperative female receiving elements. Also, while the depicted embodiment includes five alternating peaks and valleys, four or fewer or six or greater are also within the scope of the invention. The peaks and valleys of the lower and upper surfaces 86, 88 are aligned in the depicted embodiment (i.e., each peak on the lower surface is directly across from a corresponding peak on the upper surface, and each valley on the lower surface is directly across from a corresponding valley on the upper surface), thus forming alternating segments of maximum and minimum thickness between the upper and lower surfaces; but in alternate embodiments the peaks of the upper surface may align with corresponding valleys of the lower surface, defining a substantially continuous body thickness about its entire periphery. In other example forms, one component may include only male projection elements and a complementary component may include only female receiving elements, or vice versa.

The cap 60 comprises a domed upper surface 112, and an undulating or irregular lower lobed surface 114. Each of the stacking components 20, 30, 40, and 50 and the cap component 60 has at least one surface configured to nest or otherwise engage with a confronting surface of an adjacent component. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the upper surface of each of the stacking components 20, 30, 40, and 50 is complementary to the lower surface of at least the immediately adjacent component, with each of the male projection elements of each component's surface aligning and matching with a close fit in a corresponding female receiver element of the adjacent component. In this manner, when the components are assembled from largest to smallest in diameter (e.g., from largest component 20 at the bottom to smallest component 60 on top), an assembly having a substantially continuous outer surface is optionally formed, for example a domed or rounded cone as shown in FIG. 2. The components can be disassembled and assembled to form any of a variety of alternative assembly configurations by engaging the components in different positions relative to one another.

FIGS. 3-6 show another example embodiment of a stacker or activity toy 210 according to the present invention. Similar to the previously described embodiment, a plurality of components, including first through fourth stacking components 220, 230, 240, and 250, and a cap component 260 nest or otherwise interengage one another to form any of a variety of assembly configurations depending upon the arrangement of the components relative to one another. As shown in FIG. 3, when the components are assembled from largest to smallest in diameter (e.g., from largest component 220 at the bottom to smallest component 260 on top), an assembly having a substantially continuous outer surface is optionally formed, for example a domed or rounded cone. FIG. 5 shows an alternative assembly formed by placement of the third stacking component 240 at the base, then the first stacking component 220, then the fourth stacking component 250, then the second stacking component 230, then the cap component 260. FIG. 6 shows another alternative assembly formed by placement of the fourth stacking component 250 as the base, then the first stacking component 220, and then the third stacking component 240. The second stacking component 230 is omitted, and the cap component 260 can be removed and/or placed on top of the assembly, for example upside-down with its peak 262 positioned over the central opening 270 of the stacking components.

FIGS. 4 and 7 show the first stacking component 220 and the second stacking component 230 in greater detail. The other stacking components are similarly configured, having progressively and proportionally smaller dimensions on like features thereof. Each of the stacking components 220, 230 comprises an annular or ring-shaped body having an outer wall 280 (corresponding elements of the second stacking component are designated with like numbering as those of the first stacking component, with a prime indicator—e.g., 280′), an inner wall 282 bounding a central opening 284, a lower surface 286, and an upper surface 288. In FIG. 4, the first stacking component 220 is depicted with its lower surface 286 oriented downwardly and its upper surface 288 oriented upwardly, whereas the second stacking component 230 is depicted with its lower surface 286′ oriented upwardly and its upper surface 288′ oriented downwardly. In FIG. 7, the components are both shown with their upper surfaces 288, 288′ oriented upwardly.

The lower surfaces 286, 286′, and the upper surfaces 288, 288′ each comprise an undulating or lobed surface contour having at least one convex male projection element or peak 302, 302′, and at least one concave female receiver or valley 304, 304′. In the depicted embodiment, each of the upper and lower surfaces comprises four peaks and four valleys, alternating in a generally sinusoidal pattern about the periphery of the stacking components. In the depicted embodiment, the peaks are equally spaced about the periphery at about 90° from one another. In example embodiments, the surface contours of the upper and lower surfaces are preferably smooth and continuous curves or waves, without substantial angular discontinuities, but alternatively can comprise angled or toothed contours. The peaks and valleys of the upper and lower surfaces are aligned opposite one another in the depicted embodiment, resulting in a thickness profile of the stacking components that varies between a minimum thickness T₁ at each of the four valley positions and a maximum thickness T₂ at each of the four peak positions. In alternate embodiments, the peaks and valleys of the upper and lower surfaces may be offset or otherwise aligned about the peripheries of the stacking components.

The contour of the lower surface 286′ of the second stacking component 230 generally matches and nests with the contour of the upper surface 288 of the first stacking component 220, preferably having substantially equal surface widths, mating peak and valley profiles, and complementary angles of inclination. The contours of adjacent surfaces of the other stacking components similarly match and nest with one another when assembled in order of size, as shown in FIG. 3. In this manner, when assembled in order of size, the confronting upper and lower surfaces of adjacent stacking components fit in close proximity with one another and retain the components in a stacked assembly as a result of the mating or inter-engagement of the respective male and female surface features of the nested components. In example embodiments, the upper and lower surface contours of all of the stacking components 220, 230, 240, 250 match and nest with universal compatibility with the upper and/or lower surface contour of any other stacking component, and with the lower surface contour of the cap component 260, such that any two or more of the components can be stacked in any desired arrangement or orientation (right-side-up or upside-down), for example as shown in FIG. 3, 5 or 6, and still form a nested assembly.

The angle of inclination of the upper and lower surfaces (measured relative to the horizontal when the stacking components are stacked vertically on a horizontal support base, indicated as a in FIG. 7) preferably varies from an acute oblique angle sloping radially inward (i.e., a greater thickness at the outer periphery 280 and a lesser thickness at the inner wall 282) at each of the peaks 302, to an acute oblique angle sloping radially outward (i.e., a greater thickness at the inner wall 282 and a lesser thickness at the outer periphery 280) at each of the valleys 304. In this manner, the stacking components are self-aligning or self-centering when stacked in a vertical assembly, due to gravity biasing the convex male projections 302 of the upper component into the concave female receivers 304 of the lower component, thus imparting a rotational and downward alignment motion (indicated by direction arrow R in FIG. 7). In example embodiments having components with low-friction confronting contact surfaces, the relative slickness of the components assists in self-alignment of the components into a nested state in vertical, horizontal and other stacking orientations. In example embodiments, the cooperative engagement of the male and female engagement elements 302, 304 will bring adjacent components into alignment during assembly, from substantially any rotationally misaligned starting position, and/or substantially any transversely misaligned (i.e., offset from a central longitudinal axis A) starting position wherein the center of gravity of the upper component is positioned anywhere generally over the central opening 284 of the lower component. The nested inter-engagement of the confronting upper and lower surface contours of adjacent components, including both the mating male and female surface elements and the complementary angles of inclination of the upper and lower surfaces substantially about the entire peripheries of the nested components, results in self-supporting assembly, without the need for a support post or frame. Optionally, one or more weights, magnets, or attachment features can be provided in or on one or more of the components to assist in alignment, support and retention of the assembly in one or more desired configuration(s).

When assembled in order of size, as shown in FIG. 3, the outer and inner sidewalls 280, 280′ and 282, 282′ of the stacking components are preferably substantially aligned, forming an assembly having substantially continuous outer and inner surface contours. In example embodiments, the assembly forms a cone or comprises a partially conic geometry having a generally parabolic outer profile viewed from the side, and a generally circular profile viewed from above or below, with each stacking component having a generally circular periphery with progressively varying outer diameters. In alternate stacking arrangements wherein the stacking components are not assembled in order of size, for example as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the components will still fit together in a self-aligning and self-supporting nested assembly having any of a plurality of irregular discontinuous outer and inner surface contours. Additionally, because of the universal fit between any two of the components, various assemblies can be constructed even if one or more of the components is misplaced.

The toy or stacker can comprise two or more components, for example, two, three, four, five to ten, or more components, with or without a cap component. At least one element of a first component is adapted to releasably mate with at least one corresponding cooperative element of a second component to form an assembly. For example, the first component may include only male projection elements and the second toy component may include only female receiving elements, or vice versa, or both elements can include both male and female elements. Optionally, each of the components is uniquely sized and colored, so that varying appearance, patterns and assembly configurations can be formed therefrom. Alternatively, all or a plurality of the toy components may be similarly colored and/or sized.

In various example embodiments, the components of the stacker may be configured to stack vertically from bottom to top, horizontally sideways, at an angle, or top-down. Various fastening mechanisms may be employed to aid in removably coupling the components together, such as, for example, magnets, Velcro®, dovetail locks, snaps, ties, or other conventional fasteners as appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. The components may be configured to represent an animal, character, object, shape, building blocks or the like when assembled. In some embodiments, the activity toy may include a post (not shown) or similar frame structure configured to guide the positioning of the toy components during assembly. The post may, for example, be configured for use as a target during a ring-toss style game, in which a child tosses the stacking component rings toward the post with the goal of passing the post through the hole at the center of the component. The post may furthermore be configured with electronics (e.g., lights, sounds) that may be triggered in response the post passing through the hole of a stacking component ring either during assembly of the activity toy or during a ring-toss style game. For example, the post may include a motion sensor or switch (e.g. jiggle switch) configured to sense the passing of the post through the hole of a toy component. The components may optionally include or be adapted to engage motive means, such as for example a turntable or drive wheels for rotational and/or translational movement of the components or an assembly of two or more components.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An activity toy comprising a plurality of nestable components, wherein a first of the nestable components comprises a first engagement element and a second of the nestable components comprises a second engagement element, the first and second engagement elements interacting with one another to self-align the first and second nestable components during assembly from a misaligned starting configuration to an aligned nested configuration.
 2. The activity toy of claim 1, wherein the first engagement element comprises a convexly curved male projection, and the second engagement element comprises a concavely curved female receiver.
 3. The activity toy of claim 2, wherein the convexly curved male projection and the concavely curved female receiver follow a generally sinusoidal curvature.
 4. The activity toy of claim 3, wherein the first and second nestable components each comprise a generally circular periphery and the generally sinusoidal curvature defines a plurality of peaks and valleys about the generally circular periphery.
 5. The activity toy of claim 2, wherein the convexly curved male projection and the concavely curved female receiver define complementary angles of inclination to assist in alignment of the first and second nestable components during assembly.
 6. The activity toy of claim 1, wherein the first nestable component comprises a first upper surface and a first lower surface, and wherein the second nestable component comprises a second upper surface and a second lower surface, wherein the first upper surface and the first lower surface each comprise first engagement elements, wherein the second upper surface and the second lower surface each comprise second engagement elements, and wherein the first and second engagement elements are universally engagable between either of the first upper and lower surfaces with either of the second upper and lower surfaces.
 7. The activity toy of claim 1, further comprising a cap component having a third engagement element configured for nesting engagement with either of the first and second engagement elements.
 8. The activity toy of claim 1, wherein the first and second nestable components nest to form a frame-less assembly.
 9. The activity toy of claim 1, wherein the first and second nestable components each define an opening extending axially therethrough.
 10. An activity toy comprising a plurality of stackable components, each of said stackable components comprising an upper surface defining at least one male engagement feature and a lower surface defining at least one female engagement feature, wherein at least two of the plurality of stackable components are stackable with the male engagement feature of the upper surface of one of the stackable components nesting within the female engagement feature of the lower surface of the other stackable component.
 11. The activity toy of claim 10, wherein the male and female engagement features retain the plurality of stackable components in a stacked assembly without additional support.
 12. The activity toy of claim 10, wherein the male and female engagement features bias the stackable components to self-align into the stacked assembly.
 13. The activity toy of claim 10, wherein the male and female engagement features comprise interengaging surfaces defining a generally sinusoidal curvature profile.
 14. The activity toy of claim 10, wherein the plurality of stackable components are stackable into a first assembled configuration comprising a generally continuous outer surface at least partially defining a conic section profile.
 15. The activity toy of claim 14, wherein the plurality of stackable components are stackable into a second alternative assembled configuration defining a generally discontinuous outer surface.
 16. The activity toy of claim 10, further comprising a cap component having a cap engagement feature stackable with either of the male engagement feature or the female engagement feature.
 17. An activity toy comprising: a first stacking component having a first annular body with a generally circumferential first outer wall, a first inner wall bounding a first central opening, a first lower surface and a first upper surface, the first lower surface and the first upper surface each defining a plurality of generally sinusoidal peaks and valleys; and a second stacking component having a second annular body with a generally circumferential second outer wall, a second inner wall bounding a second central opening, a second lower surface and a second upper surface, the second lower surface and the second upper surface each defining a plurality of generally sinusoidal peaks and valleys; wherein the peaks and valleys of the first upper and lower surfaces are each interengagable with the peaks and valleys of either of the second upper and lower surfaces to form a plurality of assembly configurations depending on the orientation of the first and second stacking components when assembled.
 18. The activity toy of claim 17, further comprising a cap component having a dome-shaped upper surface and a lower surface comprising a plurality of peaks and valleys universally compatible for nesting engagement with the peaks and valleys of either of the first and second stacking components.
 19. The activity toy of claim 17, wherein the first and second upper and lower surfaces define complementary angles of inclination, whereby at least one of the plurality of assembly configurations is self-supporting without a central support post through the first and second central openings of the stacking components.
 20. The activity toy of claim 17, wherein the peaks and valleys of the first and second upper and lower surfaces define generally sinusoidal wave curves.
 21. The activity toy of claim 17, wherein the peaks and valleys of the first and second upper and lower surfaces bias the first and second stacking components toward self-alignment when assembled.
 22. The activity toy of claim 17, wherein at least one of the plurality of assembly configurations comprises a generally continuous outer surface at least partially defining a conic section profile.
 23. The activity toy of claim 22, wherein the conic section profile is a generally parabolic curve. 